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Old 02-09-2021, 09:48 AM   #1
JL_
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Electrical ground question

Hi everyone,

my truck 1965 GMC.
I'll start with what works then my question.
Rear tail lights: running, turn signals and brake lights. heater fan
Not working headlights, Front running lights, front turn signals and windshield wipers. I have power to and from the fuses, haven't checked the switch yet.

I an thinking keep it simple... so my question. Is there a common ground for the front end? where is it?

next any thoughts about where to start tracing the wires?
am i correct chase power to and from switch then to the lights.thanks for your time
j
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Old 02-09-2021, 11:13 AM   #2
mongocanfly
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Re: Electrical ground question

Use can use a meter or test light to see if you have power at the lights..
Test lights are cheaper and you could get one from cardboard freight on university drive...
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Old 02-09-2021, 02:48 PM   #3
61_FL_Apache
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Re: Electrical ground question

There should be a body to frame ground on one side of the firewall. Look on the passenger side.
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Old 02-09-2021, 04:31 PM   #4
bigmoe
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Re: Electrical ground question

The headlights ground to their bases.
The bases ground to the rad support just through bolts and metal contact. There can be problems with rust or new paint that hinder a good contact.
The rad support grounds to the frame. ( I always run a separate wire ).
As mentioned an inexpensive test light would be helpful.
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Old 02-09-2021, 05:24 PM   #5
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Re: Electrical ground question

Quote:
Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache View Post
There should be a body to frame ground on one side of the firewall. Look on the passenger side.
Adding on to 61_FL_Apache's reply ... take a look at the images in this link. Can't have enough grounds on these pick ups.
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Old 02-10-2021, 09:51 AM   #6
JL_
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Re: Electrical ground question

Thanks for the comments.
ok the fix/ cure or what i found out.

dimmer switch is bad.
both lights on the drivers side are blown. I wasn't looking at the passenger side so i remained confused longer than i should have been.

the lights remain very weak, like a 9v battery is powering them. i plan to run new grounds and hope for the best.
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Old 02-10-2021, 10:06 AM   #7
jayoldschool
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Re: Electrical ground question

I did a dimmer on my truck, along with extra grounds for the cab/frame/bed. Made a big difference. If I drove a lot at night, I would do halogen (or better) headlights (I still have one T3!) and a relay harness to provide a full 12V to the headlights. You can get a harness from many places:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/upd-34263
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Old 02-10-2021, 10:07 AM   #8
roll_the_dice
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Re: Electrical ground question

I did this for my headlights (headlight relay harness)...best upgrade I did on my truck. I am still running sealed beam headlights and they are much brighter than before and are definitely bright enough.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=397695
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Old 02-10-2021, 10:08 AM   #9
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Re: Electrical ground question

Quote:
Originally Posted by jayoldschool View Post
I did a dimmer on my truck, along with extra grounds for the cab/frame/bed. Made a big difference. If I drove a lot at night, I would do halogen (or better) headlights (I still have one T3!) and a relay harness to provide a full 12V to the headlights. You can get a harness from many places:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/upd-34263
You beat me to it!
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